Story: Māori musical instruments – taonga puoro

Kōauau ponga ihu

The tiny kōauau ponga ihu is a nose flute made from a very small hue (gourd), in this case intricately carved. Its sweet, delicate tone has been likened to a seabird's call, or the sound of wind in treetops. Listen to the kōauau ponga ihu being played.

Using this item

Jade and Bone
Photograph by Brian Flintoff

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Sound courtesy of Richard Nunns and Bob Bickerton

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How to cite this page:

Brian Flintoff, 'Māori musical instruments – taonga puoro - Melodic instruments – the family of Rangi', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/music/42164/koauau-ponga-ihu (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Brian Flintoff, published 22 Oct 2014